Ravine Gardens State Park is one of the nine New Deal-era state parks in Florida. The park has two ravines up to 120 feet deep with steep banks at 45-degree angles. Ravine Gardens State Park is located at 1600 Twigg St, in Palatka, Florida. For more information, click here.
Unlike common gullies, trenches or sinkholes caused by temporary flooding, the steephead ravines are a permanent feature with a spring-fed creek that never dries up, called Whitewater Branch. Over thousands of years, the ravines have widened and deepened to what you see today.
A 1.8-mile paved road winds around the ravines, offering visitors dramatic views. Numerous picnic sites, equipped with tables and grills, are available to visitors. There is also a civic center complex with a large covered pavilion, auditorium and meeting rooms that are available for rent.
The garden’s peak flowering period is azalea season, January to March. The hundreds of remaining azaleas have a “rolling bloom” and top out with about 50% to 60% of the plants blooming simultaneously. A recent survey documented 18 different types of azaleas. The season is variable based on weather conditions.
The 2.5-mile Azalea Trail winds through the ravine systems of Ravine Gardens State Park. Rustic and shady, the route treats hikers to historic suspension bridges, stone staircases and, during blooming season, views of the park that cannot be matched. Hikers will encounter narrow and steep paths, muddy bottoms, roots and stairs to scramble over and an overall engaging experience.
The park is open 365 days a year from 8 am to sundown. There is a $5 per vehicle fee to enter the park. Ravine Gardens State Park is located at 1600 Twigg St, in Palatka, Florida. For more information, click here.
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